A day in the life of an IP lawyer Forum

[BarCliff]

You guys do realize that this post was written in 2006 (before our economy collapsed), right? And that some Google-searching noob bumped it up without looking at the post date?

[BradA3]

You guys do realize that this post was written in 2006 (before our economy collapsed), right? And that some Google-searching noob bumped it up without looking at the post date?

I realize it, but its still a relevant thread. And IP law is still in high demand compared to other fields.

[GamblingLaw]

I'm just wondering, but do IP lawyers reap large settlements/verdicts from suing infringers? It seems unfair to allow companies to sue large companies and claim they are infringers of fake patents.

[BarCliff]

I'm just wondering, but do IP lawyers reap large settlements/verdicts from suing infringers? It seems unfair to allow companies to sue large companies and claim they are infringers of fake patents.

What?

[LawSchoolWannaBe]

I'm just wondering, but do IP lawyers reap large settlements/verdicts from suing infringers? It seems unfair to allow companies to sue large companies and claim they are infringers of fake patents.

What are these "fake" patents you speak of?

[GamblingLaw]

I'm just wondering, but do IP lawyers reap large settlements/verdicts from suing infringers? It seems unfair to allow companies to sue large companies and claim they are infringers of fake patents.

What are these "fake" patents you speak of?

I know nothing about IP law, obviously, but remember reading that the vast majority of these novel patents are worthless. So moving along, basically, a clever 'inventor' can bring these lawsuits claiming some deep pocket to be an infringer and get a settlement to go away.

[englawyer]

see e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent_troll

[LawSchoolWannaBe]

see e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent_troll

Haha, I love that term. It's not overused at all! :-/

[farhansahmed]

Ken,

I am 46 years old with two decades behind me in IT, specifically database security, administering, business intelligence, and other aspects of IT. I am an electrical engineer with graduate degrees in speech and acoustical analysis from schools like UT Austin, and Northwestern U. in Evanston, IL.

I'm embarking upon studying IP law at the University of Houston Law Center -- I plan on doing this part-time by attending their 4-year program for IP law. According to US News and World Report, UH Law for IPIL is ranked #4 behind UCB, Standford, GWU.

I am also in the process of transferring to the legal department of my company working with their IT systems; I work for one of the world's largest oil services provider in the Houston area. Incidentally I have almost 10 years in oil and gas and experienced with securing data, and establishing data integrity issues, etc.

Most of my colleagues, some of them attorneys representing oil and gas in the city have been high supportive while many have expressed reservations especially getting into the game this late in life. I am determined nevertheless.

How do you assess my plans, and my prospects in IP law given my background, and prospects in a city that breathes oil and gas?

[udoswell]

Hi Ken,

I am returning to school this fall to finish my degree in Mechanical Engineering-I've about two years left. I am currently set up to attend CSU Long Beach, however I have applied to USC as well and am awaiting a response. My intention in pursuing this degree-after taking some time off-is to pursue law school upon completion. I have a strong interest in IP law. Granted I am not as yet familiar with the field in a working-sense, I have had exposure to the law field in general (my ex attended law school and currently practices family law).

Basically, I am at a point where I am attempting to set myself up now as best as possible. Would you have any advice to offer someone that is just embarking on this journey?

Thank you for your time.

As a side note, I have read through most of the comments on this feed and am pursuing some of the articles you linked for more information.

[redbull12]

....

[KD35]

As a side note, I have read through most of the comments on this feed and am pursuing some of the articles you linked for more information.

While you were reading, did you happen to notice the dates of the original post? 2006. This is a super old thread, may be good to look around at something remotely recent rather than this older thread. My two cents.

[presh]

Ken hasn't posted on TLS for over a year, people.